Jump to content
  • GUESTS

    If You  want access  to member only forums on FM, You will need to Sign-in or  Sign-Up now .

    This box will disappear once you are signed in as a member.

Minnesota Duck Poll 2005


Recommended Posts

  • 'we have more fun' FishingMN Creators

How was your Harvest this year in Minnesota?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I havent seen where this year was worse than any other. The start of the season was great.. then the cold air forgot to come after the locals left to push birds in. There are all kinds of birds flying now.

Its hard to compare harvest numbers when we were allowed 2 more birds/day last year. I dont think this season was terrible overall. When I didnt have success it was usually due to missing on shot opportunities, not lack of birds other than the mid season slump.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I thought last season was bad but this year was worse. I know other people west of here did well but this area was bad. The rice crop was terrible so that might have been part of the problem, next year i think i will bow hunt,

Link to comment
Share on other sites

The DNR really needs to divide the state into North/South zones and extend the season for the south zone so we can actually bag some birds without having to drive north all the time. It doesn't take rocket science to figure this out. tuk

Link to comment
Share on other sites

That avatar of your's fits that post well BLB. lol

This year was a very good year when I look back. It seemed the extreme warm temps had it's toll on the migration, but then again, I had some of the best hunting of the season...for four straight days in mid October with days with no wind, good wind, 70 degrees, and nothing but sunshine...with limits every day on an annual duck camp trip. Hardly anyone hunting either, that's what shocked me also.

I had some great days and the next day was pathetic. Seemed more like a crap shoot year than anything.

Great memories this year and that's what really counted.

And, the big push... confused.gif it went right over MN for the most part. In 1 day it seemed.

BUT, I'm not done either. There are still some days left! grin.gif I can only hope to get out again.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Despite the 4 duck limit we still had a better season than last year. Limits were achieved on most outings.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

the drought from the dakota's are catching up with us in west central Mn.Mother nature has a way with checks and balances she in turn has been kind to are pheasant population.when the water returns so will the ducks,the 90's up till the last couple of years have been great,

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 3 weeks later...

I've thought that the last three openers have been below average for myself. I hunt LOW opening weekend and then go else where for the rest of the season. In my opinion the early goose season combined with the early youth season have educated birds and pushed them south and made them more weary. I don't think that those seasons "kill" numbers affect hunting numbers for myself. I believe it's been 80 degrees, sunny and not a cloud in the sky for the past six years. Can't wait for a good snowstorm durning duck season...

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I'd have to say this was the worst season I've ever experienced. Hardly any birds around on the opener, not much to speak of after that either, and no major northern flight. On the days I wished I could have been out, the NW wind was just too much and then whammo...the lake had 2" of ice on it. Watched the skies plenty during those windy, cold days and really didn't see much. Two flocks of divers one day, then when we had the cold front blow through that froze the lake, I saw 2 flocks of mallards and that was it. Had about 200 geese stop for a week or two, but then they were gone.

From what I've experienced, each year gets worse when talking numbers. I still love waterfowling and will do it until I no longer can though. Patience may be the key....optimism too!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

had a great season as always even though some days birds were tough to come by and empty skies became the norm. However, we still shot plenty of ducks and geese (LOTS of geese) and had an exceptionally good last couple weeks of the season as well as the goose hunting that followed right up until last sunday. Got my first band ( honker- waiting for info) and my brother shot 2 bands...a goose and a greenhead. Ended up hunting 6 days of the early goose season, 22 days of the waterfowl season, 2 days of the "middle" goose season, and 4 days of the late goose season. Now it is all about ice fishing, snowmobiling, and a couple last pheasant hunts. Will probably give predator hunting a go as well. Merry Xmas to all the duck hunters out there.

SA/wdw

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Guest
This topic is now closed to further replies.


  • Your Responses - Share & Have Fun :)

    • mulefarm
      With the early ice out, how is the curlyleaf pondweed doing?
    • LakeofthewoodsMN
      On the south end...   The big basin, otherwise known as Big Traverse Bay, is ice free.  Zippel Bay and Four Mile Bay are ice free as well.  Everything is shaping up nicely for the MN Fishing Opener on May 11th. With the walleye / sauger season currently closed, most anglers are targeting sturgeon and pike.  Some sturgeon anglers are fishing at the mouth of the Rainy River, but most sturgeon are targeted in Four Mile Bay or the Rainy River.  Hence, pike are the targeted species on the south shore and various bays currently.   Pike fishing this time of year is a unique opportunity, as LOW is border water with Canada, the pike season is open year round. The limit is 3 pike per day with one being able to be more than 40 inches. All fish 30 - 40 inches must be released. Back bays hold pike as they go through the various stages of the spawn.  Deadbait under a bobber, spinners, spoons and shallow diving crankbaits are all viable options.   Four Mile Bay, Bostic Bay and Zippel Bay are all small water and boats of various sizes work well. On the Rainy River...  Great news this week as we learned sturgeon will not be placed on the endangered species list by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.     The organization had to make a decision by June 30 and listing sturgeon could have ended sturgeon fishing.  Thankfully, after looking at the many success stories across the nation, including LOW and the Rainy River, sturgeon fishing and successful sturgeon management continues.   A good week sturgeon fishing on the Rainy River.  Speaking to some sturgeon aficionados, fishing will actually get even better as water temps rise.     Four Mile Bay at the mouth of the Rainy River near the Wheeler's Point Boat Ramp is still producing good numbers of fish, as are various holes along the 42 miles of navigable Rainy River from the mouth to Birchdale.   The sturgeon season continues through May 15th and resumes again July 1st.   Oct 1 - April 23, Catch and Release April 24 - May 7, Harvest Season May 8 - May 15, Catch and Release May 16 - June 30, Sturgeon Fishing Closed July 1 - Sep 30, Harvest Season If you fish during the sturgeon harvest season and you want to keep a sturgeon, you must purchase a sturgeon tag for $5 prior to fishing.    One sturgeon per calendar year (45 - 50" inclusive, or over 75"). Most sturgeon anglers are either a glob of crawlers or a combo of crawlers and frozen emerald shiners on a sturgeon rig, which is an 18" leader with a 4/0 circle hook combined with a no roll sinker.  Local bait shops have all of the gear and bait. Up at the NW Angle...  A few spots with rotten ice, but as a rule, most of the Angle is showing off open water.  In these parts, most are looking ahead to the MN Fishing Opener.  Based on late ice fishing success, it should be a good one.  
    • leech~~
      Nice fish. I moved to the Sartell area last summer and just thought it was windy like this everyday up here? 🤭
    • Rick G
      Crazy windy again today.... This is has been the norm this spring. Between the wind and the cold fronts, fishing has been more challenging for me than most years.  Panfish have been moving in and out of the shallows quite a bit. One day they are up in the slop, the next they are out relating to cabbage or the newly sprouting lilly pads.  Today eye guy and I found them in 4-5 ft of water, hanging close to any tree branches that happened to be laying in the water.  Bigger fish were liking a 1/32 head and a Bobby Garland baby shad.   Highlight of the day way this healthy 15incher
    • monstermoose78
    • monstermoose78
      As I typed that here came a hen.  IMG_7032.mov   IMG_7032.mov
    • monstermoose78
      So far this morning nothing but non turkeys. 
    • monstermoose78
      Well yesterday I got a little excited and let a turkey get to close and I hit the blind!!
    • smurfy
      good......you?? living the dream..in my basement playing internet thug right now!!!!!! 🤣 working on getting the boat ready.......bought a new cheatmaster locator for the boat so working on that.   waiting for warmer weather to start my garden!!!
    • monstermoose78
      How is everyone doing? Holy moly it’s chilly this morning I stayed in bed and will hunt later today when it warms up.
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

By using this site, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue.